It Happened

Glad you could join us for the next alarming episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning tothe beginning, and reading really fast…

Photo credit: Bill Beck

Elliot had been intent on King Arnie the Former’s face as he stood with closed eyes, silently remembering whatever it was that sweet voice had said to him.

Now, through the tears welling in his eyes, King Arnie of Bog contemplated the vast landscape spreading before them like a rumpled carpet.

Elliot ventured a quiet question. “You let her go?”

Turning to his young snail friend, King Arnie exhaled a long, sad memory and tried to smile. “Yes, I did.”

“Have you had any news of her since?” Cassandra asked.

“A friend of mine — one of the Suns of Glory — told me many years ago that Persephone left Fen for the Deep Woods. Word had it she went alone.”

The ache in Elliot’s heart eclipsed the pain his injury had caused. “And you haven’t found another love in all those years?”

Now the King’s smile glowed. “Son, I had my One True Love. It didn’t last as long as I’d hoped, but it happened. I am no longer a young Prince ready to leave everything else behind for love, yet when I look back, I realize one thing.” He grew pensive.

Elliot and Cassandra waited.

King Arnie shook his head with grim commitment. “I never should have left my Real Self behind.”

Cassandra handed him a bit of silk, and looking from one to the other, the King blew his kingly nose.

“You know,” she began, “I’m—”

At that moment, Barry and an emissary from the Knights of Service bounded up to them at an urgent pace.